Home ahoho BEN SHELTON PULLS OUT OF THE LAVER CUP JUST DAYS AFTER HIS US OPEN FINAL RUN — AND HIS NEXT MOVE PUTS TEAM USA RIGHT BACK AT THE CENTRE OF HIS SEASON After the biggest Grand Slam run of his career, Shelton was expected to turn his attention to London and Team World. Instead, his name has suddenly disappeared from the Laver Cup line-up. No official reason was given for the withdrawal, but Shelton’s schedule contains another immediate commitment — one that involves representing his country and leaves very little breathing room after an exhausting stretch in New York.

BEN SHELTON PULLS OUT OF THE LAVER CUP JUST DAYS AFTER HIS US OPEN FINAL RUN — AND HIS NEXT MOVE PUTS TEAM USA RIGHT BACK AT THE CENTRE OF HIS SEASON After the biggest Grand Slam run of his career, Shelton was expected to turn his attention to London and Team World. Instead, his name has suddenly disappeared from the Laver Cup line-up. No official reason was given for the withdrawal, but Shelton’s schedule contains another immediate commitment — one that involves representing his country and leaves very little breathing room after an exhausting stretch in New York.

ahoho · 18/09/2026 · comments off

Ben Shelton has withdrawn from the Laver Cup following his run to the US Open final, choosing instead to travel directly to the Czech Republic for Davis Cup duty with Team USA.

Shelton reached the US Open final just days ago before crossing the Atlantic to join the American squad. It marks his second Davis Cup appearance and first since 2024.

The 23-year-old made his Davis Cup debut in Malaga two years ago against Australia, losing a dramatic singles rubber to Thanasi Kokkinakis before also falling in doubles alongside Tommy Paul.

Shelton was selected again for the 2025 qualifying tie against Czechia but withdrew through injury. The USA eventually lost the tie 3-2.

2026 US Open - Day 6
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Ben Shelton chooses Davis Cup over Laver Cup

This time, Shelton had another option. He could have rested after his demanding run in New York or travelled to London for the Laver Cup with Andre Agassi’s Team World.

Instead, he opted to represent the United States in the more traditional team competition.

The Laver Cup offers plenty of prestige and exposure, but it does not award official ATP ranking points. Shelton’s decision therefore means committing to Davis Cup immediately after one of the biggest tournaments of his season.

His withdrawal also opens the door for Brandon Nakashima, who will replace him on Team World.

“This is an event I’ve always wanted to play in, and I can’t wait to be on Team World, competing with the others and playing for Andre and Pat. I’m looking forward to going to The O2 and doing my best to help the team,” Nakashima said.

Shelton’s absence leaves Agassi with World No.16 Nakashima alongside Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik, Francisco Cerundolo and Learner Tien.

The choice also comes with a history of physical issues for Shelton. Last year, a shoulder injury suffered during his US Open run forced him to withdraw from the Davis Cup squad, while he later described the pain as the “worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Ben Shelton in action at the 2026 Australian Open.
Photo by Chloe Davis/Getty Images

Shelton has now chosen one team event rather than attempting both, giving himself a clearer schedule while still taking another opportunity to represent his country.

For Team USA, his arrival in the Czech Republic comes with the chance to write a very different Davis Cup chapter after his difficult debut and last year’s withdrawal.

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